Detection and influencing of physiological and/or pathological states

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for detecting and influencing the physiological and/or pathological state of the human or animal body, comprising a housing ( 1 ), which has a first housing wall ( 1   a ) that, in turn, has an outer surface provided for placing against the body to be treated. A rotor ( 4 ) is situated inside the housing ( 1 ) and is rotationally driven about an axis ( 4   a ) that is essentially perpendicular to the first housing wall ( 1   a ). First magnets ( 6 ) are mounted on the rotor ( 4 ), and their magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction that is parallel to the rotation axis. An exceptional efficacy of the device can be achieved by virtue of the fact that at least one additional magnet ( 5 ) is situated essentially coaxial to the rotation axis ( 4   a ), said magnet being oriented in the opposite direction to the first magnets ( 6 ).

The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting and influencing thephysiological and/or pathological state of the human or animal body,comprising a housing which has a first housing wall which, in turn, hasan outer surface provided for placing against the body to be treated,with a rotor being situated inside the housing and being rotationallydriven about an axis which is essentially perpendicular to the firsthousing wall, and with first magnets being arranged on the rotor whosemagnetic fields are oriented in the same direction which is parallel tothe rotational axis.

Various apparatuses have become known to influence the human body byapplication of electromagnetic fields. Partly these are diagnosticdevices such as nuclear spin tomography, and partly other therapeuticapplications are concerned.

An apparatus has become known in order to measure the biological stateof a patient by measuring radiated waves in the millimeter range. Suchmethods have been published for example in: Devyatkov N. D., Golant M.V., “About outlooks of usage of electromagnetic radiations of amillimetre wave in quality of high-informative means of obtaining ofdata about specific processes in alive organisms” in Letters to Journalof Technical Physics, 1986; 12 (5): 288-291.

Such a direct measurement of the radiation intensity is difficult as aresult of the very low amplitudes and requires a complex set-up ofapparatuses. The practical application of such methods is therefore verylimited.

Further known diagnostic methods try to obtain findings in anon-invasive manner such that the frequency and periodicity offundamental physiological processes are measured. This can concern thebreathing rhythm or the heart rhythm or pulse beat. In the course ofsuch measurements the body to be examined can be loaded withhigh-frequency waves in order to obtain additional information. Certaindiagnoses can be made in this manner, but it is not possible to detectbrain activity in a suitable manner.

Magneto-acoustic apparatuses for the non-invasive measurement ofbioelectric currents in the brain have become known (Towe B. C., IslamM. R.: “A magneto-acoustic device for the non-invasive measurements ofbioelectric currents”; IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. 1988; 35(10): 892-894;Spiegel R. I. e.a. Measurements of small mechanical vibration of braintissue exposed to extremely low-frequency electric fields;Bioelectromagnetic, 1986; 7(3): 295-306). Such non-invasivemagneto-acoustic measurements can lead to a large quantity ofinformation on individual organs and systems of the body, on the basisof performance under strain of the organism with a variableelectromagnetic field. The acoustic oscillations lead to the originationof a potential difference at the boundary surfaces between theindividual media with different acoustic properties (Debye potential)which is comparable with the membrane potential of a large number ofcells, so that this method cannot be designated as entirelynon-invasive. Disturbances occur as a result of thermo-elastic changesin tissue, and the brain in particular, which distort the measurements.

A therapeutic appliance is further known from RU 2 180 603C in whichrotating magnetic fields are used in order to influence the human body.In addition, electric voltages are applied to the skin via electrodes.It has been noticed however that the overall effect does not go beyond alimited range. Further magnetic apparatuses for treating the body aredescribed in WO 99/39769 and in RU 2 121 383 C. Similar disadvantagesoccur in these cases too.

It is the object of the present invention to avoid such disadvantagesand to provide an apparatus which can be used for diagnostic purposes aswell as for therapeutic purposes and which is capable of exerting astrong and reproducible effect on the body in a non-invasive manner.

The objects are achieved in such a way that at least one further magnetis arranged substantially coaxially to the rotational axis, which magnetis oriented in an opposite direction relative to the first magnets.

In the application of the apparatus in accordance with the invention inthe diagnostic field, reference is hereby made to a method which issimilar in respect of concept and technical sense which is known as theVoll method and has been published in Leonhardt H.: “Fundamentals inElectro Puncture according to Voll.” ML-Verlag GesmbH, Hetzen, 1980. Theidea of this method and this apparatus is defining a continuouslymonitored parameter which allows a differentiation between the reactionsof a healthy and sick person. In a technical respect, the Voll methodconsists of the definition of the electric conductivity in varioussegments of a body meridian and the examination of the dynamics inpredetermined points of the body. The measuring range is mapped to ascale of between 0% and 100%, with the middle point of the scalecorresponding to a normal value, the upper end of the scale indicatinginflammation illnesses and the lower end of the scale indicatingdegradation of the tissue. The application of the Voll method is madedifficult by a number of technical and organizational difficulties. Amajor source of errors is the correct application of the electrodes atpredetermined points on the body because slight local changes, thegeometry of the electrode, the applied pressure and other parametershave a relatively strong influence on the result. Moreover, notice mustbe taken from a cybernetic viewpoint that the predetermined body partsto be examined represent time-changeable, non-linear dynamic objects(Croley T. E.: “Electrical Acupuncture Point Conductance in the Comparedto that in the Dead, Amer. J. Acupunct., 1986; 14(1): 57-60), so thatthe results of the diagnosis can represent only the momentary energystate of the body under the influence of external factors withoutallowing reliable statements on the actual fundamental state of theorganism.

The apparatus of the present invention allows subjecting the body in aprecisely defined manner to an electromagnetic field which allowsobtaining measured values in a robust and reliable manner in order todiagnose the state of the body. The place of the application and thevariation of the rotational speed or the frequency of the changes of therotational direction allow influencing and changing the measured valueswhich are obtained in the known manner via electrodes which are attachedto the body. Conclusions can be drawn from the manner of influencingwhich allows obtaining reliable diagnoses.

A relevant aspect of the invention is opposite polarization of thecentral further magnet in relationship to the rotating first magnet.This means that either the magnetic north pole of the first magnet facestowards the first housing wall and the magnetic south poles of the firstmagnet face towards the housing wall or vice-versa. As a result of thisspecial arrangement it is possible that the magnetic field whichpenetrates the body can be aligned towards individual organs in anespecially purposeful manner. The first housing wall is made of amagnetically neutral material such as plastic and is provided with thethinnest possible configuration in order to reduce losses as far aspossible. Strong magnets are preferably used as magnets which preferablydevelop a field strength of between 0.5 T and 5 T.

An especially simple configuration of the apparatus in accordance withthe invention is obtained when the magnets are configured as permanentmagnets. In order to allow reaching the above field strength in a secureand reliable way, it is especially preferable when the magnets are madeof a neodym iron boron alloy or of a praseodym iron boron alloy. Suchso-called SE-magnets on the basis of rare earths come with especiallyadvantageous properties in connection with the present invention. As analternative to this it is also possible to configure the magnets partlyor completely as electromagnets. The supply of such electromagnets onthe rotor can be provided in this case via slip rings for example.

The suitable selection of the speed of the rotor (angular velocity) andoptionally the periodic changing of the rotational direction with acertain base frequency may allow a purposeful influencing of the humanand animal body. This allows not only obtaining precise diagnosticinformation in the course of measurements performed simultaneously, buttherapeutic treatments can also be performed. Such treatments allowtreating illnesses for example which are illustrated and classified on aseven-stage scale of the energy-informative system of the patient. Insuch a classification, the seventh stage represents the state of health,whereas the lower stages define different stages of illnesses. Athreshold value is usually assumed between the second and the thirdstage below which convalescence is regarded as impossible. Theapplication of the present apparatus in accordance with the inventionallows bringing a patient from the third, fourth, fifth or sixth stageto the seventh stage. Double-blind studies performed on a large numberof patients have proven the effectiveness of the apparatus in accordancewith the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is possible that thefurther magnet is attached in a stationary manner to the housing. Thisallows an especially simple configuration of the apparatus from amechanical viewpoint, with said further magnet being attached directlyto the first housing wall for example. It is also possible alternativelythat the further magnet is attached to the central region of the rotor.The further magnet is thus not stationary, but the magnetic fieldproduced by this magnet is quasi stationary especially in a centralsymmetrical configuration of the further magnet.

It has proven to be especially advantageous when the first magnets areattached in regions of radial rays of the rotor which have even angulardistances. In this manner, a magnetic field can be produced whichrevolves with an even angular velocity. The angular velocity can beadjusted accordingly depending on the respective purpose. Thearrangement of the first magnets on three rays is especially preferable,so that the angular distances are 120° each. In the simplest of cases,one magnet can be arranged along each ray. In the case of applicationsover larger surface areas it is preferable when several magnets arearranged on each ray.

It has proven to be especially advantageous when the first magnets andthe further magnet comprises pole faces which are situated in a commonplane and border the first housing wall directly. An especially eveninfluence of the magnetic field on the tissue is thus achieved.

The present invention is explained in closer detail by reference toembodiments shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a view of the rotor of an apparatus in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a partial sectional view through an apparatus in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a view according to FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment ofthe invention.

The apparatus of FIG. 1 consists of a housing 1 with a substantiallyplane housing wall 1 a made of plastic. A rotor 4 is arranged in thehousing 1, which rotor is rotatable about an axis 4 a and is driven viaa shaft by a motor 7. A total of three circular first magnets 6 arearranged on the rotor 6 in even angular distances of 120°. A stationaryfurther magnet 5 is provided coaxially to the rotor 4, which magnet isrigidly connected with the first housing wall 1 a via an intermediateplate 2. The front pole faces 6 a of the first magnet 6 and the frontpole faces 5 a of the further magnet 5 lie in a common plane 8 which isarranged in the direct vicinity of the first housing wall 1 a. The frontpole faces 6 a of the first magnets 6 each correspond to the magneticnorth pole and the front pole face 5 a of the further magnet 5 to themagnetic south pole. Respective control devices are not shown whichallow a drive of the rotor 4 with different angular velocities and inchanging directions of rotation.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 in which the first magnetsare arranged on a total of six rays 9 in even angular distances of 60°,with several magnets 6 being arranged on each ray 9, of which there arefive in the present case.

1. An apparatus for detecting and influencing the physiological andoptionally pathological state of the human or animal body, comprising ahousing (1) which has a first housing wall (1 a) which, in turn, has anouter surface provided for placing against the body to be treated, witha rotor (4) being situated inside the housing (1) and being rotationallydriven about an axis (4 a) which is essentially perpendicular to thefirst housing wall (1 a), and with first magnets (6) being arranged onthe rotor (4) whose magnetic fields are oriented in the same directionwhich is parallel to the rotational axis, characterized in that at leastone further magnet (5) is arranged substantially coaxially to therotational axis (4 a), which magnet is oriented in an opposite directionrelative to the first magnets (6).
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1,characterized in that the further magnet is attached in a stationarymanner to the housing (1).
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1,characterized in that the further magnet is attached in thecentral-region of the rotor (4).
 4. An apparatus according to one of theclaims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first magnets are fastened inthe region of radial rays (9) of the rotor (4) which have even angulardistances.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in thatthe angular distances are each 120°.
 6. An apparatus according to one ofthe claims 4 or 5, characterized in that several first magnets (6) arearranged along each ray (9).
 7. An apparatus according to one of theclaims 4 or 5, characterized in that one first magnet (6) precisely isarranged along each ray (9).
 8. An apparatus according to one of theclaims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first magnets (6) and thefurther magnets (5) comprise pole faces (5 a, 6 a) which lie in a commonplane (8) and are directly adjacent to the first housing wall (1 a). 9.An apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized inthat the rotor (4) is driven by a drive motor (7) which can be set todifferent speeds and rotational directions.
 10. An apparatus accordingto one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first magnets (6)and the further magnet (5) are arranged as permanent magnets.
 11. Anapparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in thatthe first magnets (6) and the further magnet (5) are arranged aselectromagnets.